Last week, India announced it would implement what many say are its most far-reaching economic reforms in decades - compressing 29 federal laws that regulated
World

Last week, India announced it would implement what many say are its most far-reaching economic reforms in decades - compressing 29 federal laws that regulated labour into four simplified codes. As a result, the number of rules that govern labour have now come down from a staggering 1

2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Sugar vs Jaggery: What Happens To Your Body When You Make The Switch

Posted By: Tarun Kumar Posted On: Nov 13, 2025Share Article
Sugar vs Jaggery
Natural jaggery offers nutrition beyond sweetness.

Sugar vs Jaggery: What Happens To Your Body When You Make The Switch

Jaggery, an unrefined sweetener, has started to find strong support among health-conscious consumers. Unlike processed sugar, it retains vital minerals and vitamins essential for long-term wellness. Research published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences and the Journal of Food Science and Technology refers to jaggery more as a “functional food" than a mere sweetener, as its nutrient profile and physiological benefits go beyond those of refined sugar.

Refined sugar undergoes chemical treatment, bleaching, and crystallisation, leaving it devoid of nutrients and composed purely of sucrose. In contrast, jaggery is produced by simply boiling sugarcane or palm sap, allowing the natural molasses to retain essential minerals.

Key Nutritional Components of Jaggery:

Ayurvedic texts describe jaggery as balancing the body's internal energies, or doshas, cleansing the blood, aiding digestion, and boosting immunity, all now supported by modern nutritional research.

The Harmful Effects of Excess Sugar

The adverse effects of excessive sugar intake have long been established in medical research.

In contrast, jaggery has a lower glycaemic index (GI), providing a slow release of energy and preventing sudden glucose spikes followed by fatigue.

Why is jaggery considered a functional food

A study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology found that jaggery can replace sugar in baked products without compromising microbial safety or taste. The study also observed that jaggery retains folic acid and B-complex vitamins, which support blood health and neurological function.

How jaggery benefits key body systems

Jaggery: A sustainable sweetener choice

Replacing sugar with jaggery benefits both health and the environment. Unlike sugar production, jaggery processing does not involve chemical agents such as sulphur dioxide, making it a cleaner and eco-friendly alternative.

Swipe Left For Next Video

According to agricultural data cited in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences, India's per capita jaggery consumption dropped from over 15 kilograms in the 1960s to just four kilograms by 2018–19. However, its revival today reflects a return to traditional and wholesome dietary habits.

Comment on Post

Leave a comment

If you have a News Orbit 360 user account, your address will be used to display your profile picture.


Last week, India announced it would implement what many say are its most far-reaching economic reforms in decades - compressing 29 federal laws that regulated
World
Reform or rights rollback

Last week, India announced it would implement what many say are its most far-reaching economic reforms in decades - compressing 29 federal laws that regulated labour into four simplified codes. As a result, the number of rules that govern labour have now come down from a staggering 1

3 months ago


Sing Up